Chemistry: The Central Science

Our world has been dramatically transformed by chemical discoveries over the
past century. Chemical innovations range from paper to semiconductors, and
include common products such as plastic, steel and vitamins.

Research in chemistry continues to uncover the impact we have on our
surroundings, and how the choices we make today will affect our world in the
future. At Trent, you can contribute directly to these discoveries.

The Department of Chemistry offers courses leading to specialties in each of the main sub-disciplines, organic, inorganic, physical and analytical chemistry and biochemistry, but which also supports and is supported by the offerings of the Departments of Physics, Biology, other traditional sciences, and the interdisciplinary program Environmental and Resource Studies.

The teaching and research laboratories of the Department are located in the Chemical Sciences Building on the east bank of the Otonabee. In addition to the usual laboratory facilities and equipment for traditional studies in organic, inorganic, physical and analytical chemistry and biochemistry, this building houses special equipment essential for modern experimental and theoretical chemistry, including a variety of spectrophotometers, mass spectrometers, matrix isolation apparatus, and gas and high performance liquid chromatography equipment.